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MINNEAPOLIS — Target is adding fresh, handmade food to its small-format store in Chicago, the mass merchandiser said.

Target announced that Pret A Manger would open a location inside the State Street CityTarget when the store opens next July. The London-based café chain sells sandwiches, soups, salads, coffee and other items, and operates stores in several U.S. and U.K. cities and Hong Kong.

CHICAGO — Two years after publishing its initial Urban Grocery Study, Mid-America Real Estate Corp.'s Urban Team has accumulated comprehensive and comparative data rendering new statistical findings and trends that may prove invaluable to grocers and other retailers planning to penetrate the urban Chicago marketplace. That data was made public Thursday, the company announced.

NEW YORK — Walgreens is planning to sell health insurance as soon as this fall, CNNMoney reported Tuesday morning.

Walgreens declined to comment on the matter, according to the report.

The Chicago-based pharmacy-and-more operator would sell health insurance products with different price ranges and coverage levels across its network nationwide through a private health insurance exchange, CNNMoney reported, citing people familiar with the plan.

CHICAGO — Despite the negative connotation high-fructose corn syrup carries as an additive to food and beverages, it seems that consumers are more concerned with fat and calorie intake.

CHICAGO — CVS Caremark, through its All Kids Can program, has partnered with Easter Seals over the past six years to support children at risk of autism, developmental delays or disabilities. CVS Caremark is continuing its support by investing in Easter Seals' Make the First Five Count initiative to help assure children receive critical early intervention services.

MINNEAPOLIS — In an effort to increase the stickiness of Supervalu shoppers, Supervalu president and CEO Craig Herkert on Tuesday spoke of the company’s “hyper-local retailing” concept during a conference call with analysts.

Supervalu’s commitment to growing its Save-A-Lot discount banner and its participation in First Lady Michelle Obama’s Partnership for a Healthier America campaign were other significant programs Herkert believes will help differentiate the grocer enough to drive trips and increase consumer loyalty.

MINNEAPOLIS — Target opened on Monday three new retail-based health clinics in the Twin Cities as part of its expansion plan announced earlier this year.

As previously reported by Drug Store News, Target announced earlier this year plans to open eight new clinic locations this year in the Twin Cities (four clinics), Chicago (three clinics) and Fort Lauderdale-Davie, Fla., areas (one clinic) by the end of July. The first of the new clinics opened in the Twin Cities on March 2.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — PNI Digital Media on Monday announced an agreement with Walgreens to provide and operate an online stationery service for the Chicago-based pharmacy.

The service will allow Walgreens customers to create and customize unique cards, invitations and other printed material, including personalized photobooks and photo calendars, wedding invitations and business cards.

According to reports, the PNI Digital Media Platform reaches more than 14,000 retail locations around the world, 9,000 of which offer a one-hour pickup service.

CHICAGO — Just days after announcing a cooperation agreement with Nielsen, Walmart has entered a new relationship with SymphonyIRI Group, through which the two will develop a solution that supports the retailer's customer-centric initiatives.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens has signed on to convert or open at least 1,000 stores across the country using its food oasis concept over the next five years as part of First Lady Michelle Obama's and the Partnership for a Healthier America's recent announcement to bring healthy, affordable food to nearly 10 million people during that time period.

CHICAGO — Research firm Mintel hosted its New Products and Consumer Insights Pavilion in New Orleans last week and highlighted the importance of portion size, noting that many consumer packaged goods companies ignore the nutrition guideline.

During the event, more than 600 attendees voted on their favorite portion-control items. Top products were Sensible Portions veggie snacks variety pack from Canada, followed by Emerald Nut and Granola Mix in the United States, and Krave Chocolate Hazelnut Cereal from Ireland, which captured second and third place, respectively.